DRDO Achieves Milestone with Kusha Missile Test, Rajnath Singh Calls It a Major Advancement

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has successfully executed the inaugural flight test of the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile. This significant event took place at the APJ Abdul Kalam Island, located off the coast of Odisha. The test involved the missile engaging an electronic target that simulated a high-speed and high-altitude aerial threat, which the missile system successfully intercepted, as reported by the Ministry of Defence. The Kusha missile system is designed to counter a diverse array of aerial threats, including fighter jets, missiles, drones, and large enemy aircraft, effectively operating across a broad range of altitudes and distances.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed that this achievement represents a 'giant leap' in the nation’s air defence capabilities. He emphasized the importance of the Kusha missile system, stating that it marks a pivotal moment in India's defence research and development landscape. The successful test was conducted on July 23, and it showcases India's growing proficiency in developing advanced long-range surface-to-air missile systems, a capability that is currently held by only a select few countries globally. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that all components of the weapon system, including the missiles, radars, and command and control centers, have been developed through collaboration among various DRDO laboratories and industry partners, underscoring the collective effort in advancing India's defence technology.